Judi Connelli will again don the famous turban to play Norma Desmond in a new production of Sunset Boulevard at the State Theatre in Melborne later this year.

She will star alongside Michael Cormick as screenwriter Joe Gillis in this entirely new production from 17-20 August.

Connelli has long been linked with Sunset, and was set to star in a production at the Sydney Opera House several years ago. That particular project never made it to the stage, but Connelli finally managed to showcase her Norma in a concert celebrating the reopening of Sydney's historically ill-fated Luna Park last year.

The Melbourne show is produced by the not-for-profit organisation The Production Company.

For more info, visit The Production Company Website

2004, it seems, was the year to see Sunset in concert.

The musical was very successfully staged in Sydney earlier this year to celebrate the reopening of the city's Luna Park.

Judi Connelli donned the turban for the concert performance.

In April Petula Clark and Michael Ball took Sunset to Cork in Northern Ireland as part of BBC Music live. The concert was later broadcast on BBC Radio 2.

Some sources suggest the concert may be staged again in the UK in 2005.

For more on Petula Clark, visit Petulaclark.co.uk

More details of the upcoming concert version of Sunset Blvd have been released.

The event will be recorded on April 23rd and April 24th for broadcast on May 1st from the Royal Opera House, Cork.

The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2, and may also be shown on TV on BBC Four.

Petula Clark and Michael Ball will take the lead roles in this exclusive performance of the musical.

For audience info/tickets, ring: 08700 100 125

For more on Petula Clark, visit Petulaclark.co.uk

A special performance of Sunset Blvd is to be broadcast on UK radio in 2004.

Petula Clark, who played Norma Desmond in London and on tour in the US, is to recreate the role for the performance.

The recording will be made on April 24 in Ireland for broadcast in full later in the year.

The BBC Concert Orchestra will perform the score for the Radio 2 recording under the direction of Martin Yates.

News of broadcast dates will appear here as it is released.

For more on Petula, visit PetulaClark.co.uk

The proposed international tour of Sunset, which had been due to start in Cape Town last January was cancelled - for the moment, at least.

A spokesperson for the South African co-producers commented: 'This production was to be shared between us, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. Sadly at this late stage, Hong Kong has pulled out due to world events and it is now too late to try to find another country that can afford this major show.

The producers had hoped to renegotiate with potential venues, but it seems they were unsuccessful.

The UK Tour may have ended, but Sunset is now set to head into new territory with a touring production starting in South Africa.

The production will be staged by Pieter Toerien and The Really Useful Company Australia. "I love the show, the score," the impresario said.

The show will open in Cape Town's Artscape Opera House in late January and transfer to Gauteng in March before touring internationally. No cast details have yet been released.

It's official: the production of Sunset Blvd currently touring the UK will not transfer to London at the end of its run in September. The producers this week stated: 'Although we did not initially plan for the new production to play London, the excellent response from both critics and audiences alike prompted us to reconsider a limited London season. However, on reflection, we have concluded that it is indeed too soon to revive Sunset Blvd in the West End.' The annoucement has come as a sad blow to the legion of fans of the show and its cast.

This news was publiched before the tragic death of Billy Wilder, creator of the Oscar-winning 1950 movie on which the musical is based. In light of his death, the project may be placed on hold, as it would be seen by many to be disrespectful to remake one of his - and cinema's - greatest masterpieces.

Here is the article from Dark Horizons:

"Webber was so happy with the reaction to the recent UK tour that he is making this one of his priorities. I have seen it posted elswhere that Liza Minnelli is up for the title role and I can tell you that is true. Babara Streisand eliminated herself after demanding she wanted artistic control and maybe even to direct it. Bette Midler and obviously Glenn Close are also being considered. The trouble is the only people who can play ageing actresses losing their star power are ageing actresses losing their star power. For this reason, it is hoped to fill the supporting roles with more bankable names. Hugh Jackman is favourite to play Joe Gillis, a part he played on stage in Sydney. Interestingly Kevin Spacey was mentioned after he stated he would love to do a musical with Dame Judi Dench after getting on so well with her during filming of The Shipping News. Judi Dench as Norma Desmond?

As for Betty Schaeffer Gywneth Paltrow, Faith Hill (soundtrack sales) and Kate Winslet (who impressed with her single "What If?" from the animated Chritmas Carol movie) are all in with a shout. Two other names can be thrown into that: Denise Van Outen and Martine McCutcheon. Van Outen is currently appearing on Broadway as Roxie in "Chicago" but will be in Lloyd Webber's new musical when she returns to London. McCutcheon is a favourite of Webbers' after her succes in "My Fair Lady". She is now fully recovered from the illness that forced her to exit the show but could now be down for Betty. She was recently a bridesmaid at Liza Minnelli's wedding so if Liza gets the Norma part, you can bet Martine will get Betty. Patrick Stewart and Albert Finney are being courted for Max the butler, but Finney may play Cecil B. DeMille instead."

An article on the site speculated that Sunset may return for a limited West End season in late 2002 or early 2003.

The tour has proved a big hit with audiences all around the country, and has recently extended its schedule until October.

Fans of the show eagerly await confirmation of the rumour.

The three-track CD contains the songs 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'The Perfect Year' and 'As If We Never Said Goodbye.'

Faith Brown and Earl Carpenter perform the songs with great style. This CD is surely a must-have for all collectors of Sunset recordings, particularly as it is not on general release.

You can obtain your copy at tour theatres and through London's Dress Circle shop.

The composer of the show was severely delayed on his journey to Plymouth when his train terminated earlier than planned.

The cast were only informed of his presence at the premiere shorty before curtain-up. Thanks to a swift taxi journey, he arrived just in time for the performance.

'First Great Western should be sued on the grounds that they are neither first nor great," he said.

As the tour cast and crew begin public previews in Plymouth, Sunset fans have welcomed the news that a CD will be released featuring the new cast.

A three track promotional CD has been recorded featuring Faith Brown and her co-stars.

The recording will comprise 'The Perfect Year,' 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'As If We Never Said Goodbye'.

The CD will be sold from theatres hosting the production and alos through London's Dress Circle musicals shop.

A full recording of the show featuring the cast is unlikely to be made, however.

TheatreNow, a prominent online theatre magazine, has this week speculated that Sunset is set to return to London's West End after touring the rest of the country.

In an article about the upcoming UK tour of the show, it was stated that a return to London was 'expected'.

With the recent closure of Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind, and the forthcoming closure of The Beautiful Game this September, the time looks right to bring the comparatively successful Sunset back to the capital.

Such an idea is still in its infancy, however.

Hope is the Mayor of Southampton's chosen charity for 2001-2002.

Hope, the South's leading medical research charity, invite you to an unique evening of musical entertainment.

The evening performance of Sunset Boulevard at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre on Wednesday 5th December will be a special gala performance in aid of the charity.

This is a wonderful opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit, enjoy an evening in great company and, at the same time, know that you are supporting vital research. Hope is the South’s leading medical research charity and depends entirely upon voluntary donations to carry out the vital medical studies into better treatments and potential cures for a wide range of diseases.

Fans of the show will be thrilled to hear that a limited number of VIP tickets are available. These include pre-show drinks and a champagne reception afterwards as well as great dress-circle seats for the show. Members of the cast are invited to mingle with guests on this occasion, so if you want to get close to the stars of Sunset, book now, as numbers are strictly limited to 70.

Tickets are available now for this unique event. Book soon to secure your seats.

For more details of Hope's work, visit http://www.hope.org.uk

Several sources indicate that Earl Carpenter (right) will play Joe Gillis in the UK Tour of Sunset Boulevard opposite Faith Brown.

Earl is currently starring in the West End production of The Witches of Eastwick as Darryl Van Horne.

The casting of Joe has not yet been confirmed by the Really Useful Group, however.

The new UK tour of Sunset Blvd, will be realised by an entirely new creative team headed by Robert Carsen.

FAITH BROWN TO STAR AS ‘NORMA DESMOND’ IN ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S "SUNSET BOULEVARD" IN A MAJOR NATIONAL TOUR OPENING AT THE THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH ON TUESDAY 14 AUGUST.

"SUNSET BOULEVARD" originally opened in London at the Adelphi Theatre on 12 July 1993. This production was seen by over 2 million people. The Broadway production won 7 Tony Awards and the show has subsequently been produced throughout the world.

11 September – 6 October, New Theatre Hull 9 October – 27 October, Mayflower Theatre Southampton 6 November - 8 December. Further dates to be announced.

As was widely rumoured, comedienne Faith Brown is to take the lead role of Norma Desmond in the production.

Perhaps most famous for her cutting impression of Margaret Thatcher, Faith Brown has worked in theatre and TV for many years. Hits such as The Faith Brown Chat Show, in which she played all the characters, have established her reputation as a woman of many talents.

Her theatre work includes playing Miss Hannigan in Annie, and Stella in Summer Holiday. With such a wealth of experience and ability, Faith Brown is well qualified to fulfil the demands of the role.

Robert Carsen, who recently directed Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical The Beautiful Game, has been chosen to direct the touring production of Sunset.

The Beautiful Game received critical acclaim for its powerful and emotive direction, and Carsen should bring an entirely new approach to Sunset.

Entirely new choreography will be created by Peter Darling, who was responsible for the dance sequences in the hit British movie Billy Eliot.

We await further details of the tour - particularly who will be responsible for the scenic design of the show. It is possible that Derek McLane's designs from the recent 'scaled-down' US tour will be used, that elements of John Napier's original production design may be incorporated, or that the tour will have an entirely new design.

27/04/2001

Our impression of Faith as Norma.

Faith Brown, the well-known impressionist, singer and actress, is the latest celebrity to be linked with the role of Norma Desmond in the upcoming UK Tour of Sunset Boulevard.

Perhaps most famous for her cutting impression of Margaret Thatcher, Faith Brown has worked in theatre and TV for many years. Hits such as The Faith Brown Chat Show, in which she played all the characters, have established her reputation as a woman of many talents.

Her theatre work includes playing Miss Hannigan in Annie, and Stella in Summer Holiday. With such a wealth of experience and ability, Faith Brown is surely well qualified to fulfil the demands of the role.

The webmaster of CillaBlack.com told Boulevard he believed there was no truth in the rumour that she was to star in the tour. However, despite so much hearsay flying about, we still await confirmation of the casting of the tour.

26/04/2001

In a statement on their website, they announce that 'contrary to speculation, we have no plans to film Sunset Boulevard for video or DVD release in the near future...'

This is a change in direction for the company, who had previously stated on their website that they planned to release a video of Sunset after they completed their next project: Starlight Express.

Rumours that the company have already filmed the show with Elaine Paige in the lead role, but are holding back from releasing it appear entirely unfounded.

26/04/2001

How Cilla might look in the famous turban.

Several unconfirmed sources have suggested that Cilla Black, 60s pop icon and TV star, may play the lead role of Norma Desmond in the upcoming UK tour of Sunset Boulevard.

The tour is not yet being widely publicised, but the Really Useful Group have confirmed to us that is is in development, and several theatres have announced they are hosting the show later in the year.

The production will have its premiere in Newcastle on 11th September 2001 at the Theatre Royal. At the moment, no further details of cast and creative team have been released. However, a source inside the RUG has alleged that the role of Norma Desmond has already been cast.

Prime candidate seems to be Cilla Black, who rose to fame in the 1960s as a successful pop singer. She has since carved out an illustrious career in TV, and has recently received two lifetime achievement awards for her work. Cilla hosts the popular primetime shows Blind Date, Moment of Truth, and Surprise Surprise which attract huge audiences on British television. She has overcome the recent tragic death of her beloved husband Bobby from cancer to become one of Britain's most-loved television personalities.

Cilla Black's previous acting experience comprises cameo roles and a part in Sir Peter Hall's 1968 Movie "Work is a Four-Letter Word".

If she were to star in the tour, she would prove a formidable attraction for audiences, although fans of the show may be concerned at her lack of recent experience in theatre - particularly musicals, for her voice does not hold the power of pop peers such as Lulu. Other actresses have been linked with the tour, however. Coronation Street's Julie Goodyear, comedienne Faith Brown, and Sally Ann Triplett have been mentioned as possible contenders.

It is early days, however, and all such rumours concerning the production should be taken with a hefty pinch of salt. With 6 months to go before the show opens, everything is subject to change...

08/04/2001